Hey, look at you. [ He snorts, offering a sideways smile. ] I tried, but it was still with knowing what's out there. Pretty hard to act normal when you know what really matters, and what doesn't.

[ He'd tried, though. He'd tried... for a long time.

The question brings him pause and he hesitates before answering, seeming to chew over it, picking through for the right words. ]

Well, yeah. [ "Of course," he thinks. ] You're important, Cami. You've always been there, and... Even when I'm being an ass, you reach out to help.

[ She's just that kind of person, though. Kind, wanting to do good for others. ]

Means a lot.